Planning Support Assistant (Grade 12)
| Posting date: | 11 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £14.82 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 January 2026 |
| Location: | Somerset, South West England |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Nations Recruitment |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Job Category: Planning
Job location The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY,
United Kingdom
Somerset Council
Hours per week: 37
Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £14.82 per hour
3-4 days remote, 1-2 days in the office. Some travel between sites.
Role Purpose
Provides a complete and comprehensive support and daily business management service to Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers ensuring that the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers is as informed, briefed and prepared as necessary to undertake their duties effectively. This provision will include the management of their schedule, coordinating meetings, research, work progression, responding to correspondence and responding to telephone enquiries to assist with the effective management and operation of the Planning Service
As Support Assistant to Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers the postholder exercises judgement and discretion in determining priorities daily. They are responsible for managing every aspect of the manager�s day, taking care of key tasks such as managing meetings and booking appointments, as well as organising their correspondence, business letter writing, email communication and running professional errands. Enabling the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers to manage their time effectively because the Planning Support Assistant is taking care of certain tasks that allow the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers to focus on more important aspects of their role.
Acting as first point of contact for the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers, fielding all enquiries with tact and sensitivity whilst maintaining strong relationships and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
The role requires a large amount of autonomy, and the postholder will need to be particularly adept at prioritisation, often having to work with very little guidance from their extremely busy managers. This requires a deep understanding and awareness of their needs, to make good decisions under pressure.
Working in a dynamic atmosphere the postholder is required to adapt to the changing demands expected when working in a political and high-profile environment.
Qualification/ Knowledge /Skills/Experience
Qualifications - Essential
Minimum of 5 GCSE passes (or equivalent) including English and Maths or relevant experience
Vocational Secretarial/Executive Support/Personal Assistant qualifications
Qualifications - Desirable
Local government work experience
Knowledge - Essential
Good IT skills including experience using Microsoft Applications
Principles of good customer service
Values and promotes equality and diversity.
Principles of data protection
Skills � Essential
Ability to manage and prioritise Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers emails and correspondence and to assist them in managing their time.
Ability to manage information and produce routine correspondence.
Ability to produce letters and other documents quickly and accurately to set deadlines.
Good attention to detail.
Ability to work without supervision, using initiative to prioritise own and team�s workload, and to plan ahead to ensure that deadlines are met.
Ability to communicate easily at any level with the public, elected members of the Council, senior staff in Government Departments, other organisations, and other Somerset Council staff.
Ability to convey information on complex or contentious issues both verbally and in writing.
Ability to influence and motivate colleagues and to work well as part of a team.
Ability to be creative in approach to problem solving and identifying areas of improvement.
Managing diaries and scheduling relevant meetings.
Managing correspondence, and emails and distributing as appropriate.
Preparing correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Providing an accurate and confidential administration service.
Administration of management events and meetings.
Accurate and methodical.
Flexible and committed approach.
Able to be discreet and maintain confidentiality.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated.
Support for colleagues in busy times and providing holiday cover.
Experience - Essential
Experience � Desirable
Local government and/or public sector experience, working with elected members in a political environment.
Dimensions of role
Undertakes other duties in support of the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers as required.
Job location The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY,
United Kingdom
Somerset Council
Hours per week: 37
Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £14.82 per hour
3-4 days remote, 1-2 days in the office. Some travel between sites.
Role Purpose
Provides a complete and comprehensive support and daily business management service to Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers ensuring that the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers is as informed, briefed and prepared as necessary to undertake their duties effectively. This provision will include the management of their schedule, coordinating meetings, research, work progression, responding to correspondence and responding to telephone enquiries to assist with the effective management and operation of the Planning Service
As Support Assistant to Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers the postholder exercises judgement and discretion in determining priorities daily. They are responsible for managing every aspect of the manager�s day, taking care of key tasks such as managing meetings and booking appointments, as well as organising their correspondence, business letter writing, email communication and running professional errands. Enabling the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers to manage their time effectively because the Planning Support Assistant is taking care of certain tasks that allow the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers to focus on more important aspects of their role.
Acting as first point of contact for the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers, fielding all enquiries with tact and sensitivity whilst maintaining strong relationships and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
The role requires a large amount of autonomy, and the postholder will need to be particularly adept at prioritisation, often having to work with very little guidance from their extremely busy managers. This requires a deep understanding and awareness of their needs, to make good decisions under pressure.
Working in a dynamic atmosphere the postholder is required to adapt to the changing demands expected when working in a political and high-profile environment.
Qualification/ Knowledge /Skills/Experience
Qualifications - Essential
Minimum of 5 GCSE passes (or equivalent) including English and Maths or relevant experience
Vocational Secretarial/Executive Support/Personal Assistant qualifications
Qualifications - Desirable
Local government work experience
Knowledge - Essential
Good IT skills including experience using Microsoft Applications
Principles of good customer service
Values and promotes equality and diversity.
Principles of data protection
Skills � Essential
Ability to manage and prioritise Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers emails and correspondence and to assist them in managing their time.
Ability to manage information and produce routine correspondence.
Ability to produce letters and other documents quickly and accurately to set deadlines.
Good attention to detail.
Ability to work without supervision, using initiative to prioritise own and team�s workload, and to plan ahead to ensure that deadlines are met.
Ability to communicate easily at any level with the public, elected members of the Council, senior staff in Government Departments, other organisations, and other Somerset Council staff.
Ability to convey information on complex or contentious issues both verbally and in writing.
Ability to influence and motivate colleagues and to work well as part of a team.
Ability to be creative in approach to problem solving and identifying areas of improvement.
Managing diaries and scheduling relevant meetings.
Managing correspondence, and emails and distributing as appropriate.
Preparing correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Providing an accurate and confidential administration service.
Administration of management events and meetings.
Accurate and methodical.
Flexible and committed approach.
Able to be discreet and maintain confidentiality.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated.
Support for colleagues in busy times and providing holiday cover.
Experience - Essential
Experience � Desirable
Local government and/or public sector experience, working with elected members in a political environment.
Dimensions of role
Undertakes other duties in support of the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers as required.